Rice's Bailiff honored to be Bryant award finalist

Just the mention in such select company is proof to Rice coach David Bailiff his football program is going in the right direction.

He's a long shot to win, but Bailiff said being among the five finalists for the Paul "Bear" Bryant national coach of the year award is an honor to cap one of the best football seasons in school history.

The winner will be announced Wednesday night at a dinner benefiting the American Heart Association at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 2222 West Loop South Freeway.

"You're really humbled to be in a group of those great coaches and with the name of the award after such an iconic coach with Texas roots," Bailiff, 55, said. "It's really exciting just to go to the banquet. I can't believe I'm a finalist."